A raw, edgy, full bodied voice reminiscent of Janis Joplin, Redheaded Stepchild's lead singer Kathryn Koch kicked off the first song on the last stop the band would make before returning to their home in Buffalo, New York. Known for their blending of old folk, blues, jazz and bluegrass, Kathryn along with partner David Nanni and guest bass play Jim Kuras flawlessly blended traditional folk tunes, many which were discovered in the local library, with original ballads and lively bluegrass tunes like Lady with the Blue Dress On.

Kathryn's ability to pull the listener in with her intense facial expressions and body movements reminds an old Joplin lover of the kind of music that "cuts into one's soul" and leaves a lasting impression, leaving you longing for more. It's rare that a voice has such deliverance power; Kathryn started playing the sax in high school and her mother bought her a boxed set of Bessie Smith which started her music journey. She played in basement bands and coffee houses where she eventually met and hooked up with David, forming Redheaded Stepchild in 1996 - the height of the "Americana" music movement. When asked how they came up with the name, Kathryn laughed. "It was just a joke - but people take it way too literally. We've actually had redheaded stepchildren come up to us and tell us our name wasn't funny. They really need to lighten up!"

Kathryn and David will go back to Buffalo and start on a step-down album which will be out in 2005. Until then, you can catch them at the Barking Spider in April. from Cool Cleveland contributor Deb Remington

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